OHIO: An Ohio House committee advances a bill that would start collecting ratepayer funding for a $1 billion power plant bailout law early next year but refund the money and impose a one-year delay. (Cleveland.com)
ALSO:
• Gov. Mike DeWine says he would sign legislation that delays the effects of the state’s nuclear plant bailout law for a year. (Toledo Blade)
• The leader of a 2019 petition drive in Columbus that sought to divert millions of city dollars to clean energy programs is indicted on multiple felony charges involving false campaign finance reports. (Columbus Dispatch)
• DeWine’s administration has begun reviewing candidates to fill two vacancies on the state’s Public Utilities Commission. (Cleveland.com)
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UTILITIES:
• Minnesota Power becomes the first utility in the state to reach a 50% renewable energy target. (Star Tribune)
• North Dakota regulators approve an interim rate increase for Montana-Dakota Utilities natural gas companies to help pay off gas infrastructure investments. (Bismarck Tribune)
PIPELINES:
• Questions remain over how Michigan’s Upper Peninsula would maintain propane supplies if Line 5 closes as state officials are yet to offer detailed plans. (Bridge Michigan)
• Michigan environmental groups see an ally in Pete Buttigieg as transportation secretary, whose prior opposition to Line 5 could influence the direction of federal pipeline regulators. (Michigan Advance)
POLICY: A University of Michigan researcher says the selection of former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm as energy secretary is “affirming, significant, and not surprising.” (Bridge Michigan)
SOLAR:
• A Harley-Davidson manufacturing facility in Wisconsin now has the largest rooftop solar installation in the state. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• Indiana utility NIPSCO signs a long-term agreement to purchase power from a 280 MW solar project in southwestern Indiana. (Solar Power World)
• A state agency is exploring plans to convert an abandoned gravel pit in northern Michigan into a large-scale solar project. (9&10 News)
• Early development has started on a southern Indiana solar project that will span up to 3,000 acres. (WEHT)
• The city of Carbondale, Illinois starts construction on three solar projects totaling 1.37 MW on publicly owned facilities. (KFVS)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Michigan officials release a second round of grant funding that will help build out 18 new electric vehicle fast-charging stations statewide. (MiBiz)
WIND: Some nearby residents raise concerns about a lack of information on a developer’s plan to repower 17 wind turbines in eastern Iowa. (Manchester Press)